We gathered as a faculty, a little over two years ago, to hear a colleague tell us that one of the teachers in our family was facing a crisis. Her 3 year old had just been diagnosed with brain cancer that had spread to the spinal cord. That very same teacher was just days away from giving birth to a baby boy. There were tears and then there were plans. We were teachers- we were used to problem solving and facing impossible odds. How could we help?
The first thing we did was plan a 5K event to raise money. Each grade level created a theme basket to be raffled off at the event. We came together as a school community and the 5K showed our commitment and love for little Bella. Last fall, we gathered again in our faculty room to hear the heartbreaking news that Bella's treatments had failed to work. There was nothing more the doctors could do. But we had to do something to show Bella and her family our love and support. Our holiday party was switched to a fundraiser. Once again, each grade level made themed baskets to raffle off in the hopes that whatever money we raised might support Bella and her family. Last night, as I put my own children to sleep for the evening, the post I was dreading appeared on Facebook. 5 year old Bella had taken her last breath right around dinner time. Though I knew that news was coming, it didn't soften the sadness and heartache of a child gone way too soon after such a hard battle. I can't imagine the pain of not holding your child's hand anymore. Brushing her hair. Sharing laughs and snuggles. As a mom, you know every little part of your child. You make doctors appointments and dentist appointments and sometimes psychologist appointment or orthopedic appointments- you are involved in every health decision facing your child. After a consuming battle with cancer, how do you go from that state to a state where your child is gone from your sight forever? I am sure my faculty will gather again at some point. We will think of a way to help honor Bella's memory and legacy. It's what we do- we come together at hard times. We help each other. There are no blessings in the death of a child but maybe lessons. One lesson here is that outcomes are not guaranteed but love never dies.
7 Comments
So, so sad. And yet such big truth, that we, as teachers, are a family. And when we need to, we come together, and do whatever we need to do to support each other. Sending prayers and hugs for your colleague, as she faces the loss of her sweet baby, and for all of you as you support her.
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3/6/2019 02:45:40 am
Oh, Kathleen - this is beautiful. You crafted it perfectly - the repetition, the pace, the varying sentence length -- it is perfect. Love never dies. I will keep Bella and her family in my thoughts. Sending hugs your way.
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Lynn Grainger
3/6/2019 02:57:03 am
"One lesson here is that outcomes are not guaranteed but love never dies." These words bring your whole piece beyond little Bella. Thank you for sharing. I will keep your faculty in my thoughts as you provide her family with support.
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3/6/2019 03:04:27 am
Oh, Kathleen! I was moved to tears. Words of wisdom. Teachers do the impossible. Love never dies. We come together and we help each other. I will think of Bella today and say a prayer for Bella and her family. Thanks for sharing this.
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Erika Victor
3/6/2019 04:00:42 am
Your piece was a beautiful reflection. My thoughts are with you and all who loved Bella.
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Melanie Meehan
3/6/2019 06:21:40 pm
I saw the post on Facebook, and I was so sad seeing it there, but your post is even more heartbreaking. I'm sorry, Kathleen. What a terrible, terrible thing to have happen in your community.
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AuthorKathleen Neagle Sokolowski Archives
February 2024
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